The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-11-19
THE HEFERocIous FINBAcK.
Fact or Fiction of an Encounter off
Seguln.

Boston. Nov. ia despatch to the Globe
from Provincetown, Mass, contains the fol
lewing story: "The whaling steamer, Liz
zie N, Capt. West, which has been engaged
in the fnback whale fishery on the eastern
coast this season, on Oct. 9th, when about II
miles east southeast from Seguin Island, of
the coast of Maine, saw large, lone whale
of that species, and attempted its capture. A
boat was lowered and manned with Capt
West, his mate and four seamen. Capt
West, with large, heavy whale gun, in
which was an explosive bomb lance, took
the breach of the boat, while the mate
steered Upon approaching the whale, it
was seen that he would be an ugly customer
to deal with, as he showed no inclination to
run, but kept slowly milling around, evident
ly waiting to be attacked.
"When the boat was near enough TO war
rant shot, Capt. West discharged the gun,
but as the sea was rough the motion OF the
boat destroyed the accuracy OF the aim. The
whale was badly wounded, but not in any
vital part. The whale then made for the
boat and in passing under It struck II with
his flukes. throwing it some, 30 feet into the
air with its crew, throwing the men out AS
the boat descended the whale again struck it
with his tail and completely demolished the
boat, killing one of the crew, Jacob klocK,
cutting him completely In two. Inc Whaie
tail at the pieces of the boat, killing two
more men, Neil Olsen and Chris johnson,
who were supporting themselves on pieces
of the wreck. While the whale was engaged
in destroying the boat, Capt. West, the mate
and one man fortunately secured an oar
apiece, and swan away from the place. On
board the steamer the mishap was seen.
Another boat was lowered, and the three
men picked up and taken on board, much
exhausted. Nothing daunted, Capt. West
resolved upon capturing the fish Every
thing was got in readiness; two guns were
loaded, each with the explosive lance, Capt.
West taking one and his mate the other, and
taking positions on the bow of the steamer,
word was give to go ahead. The whale, in
the meantime, was lying still among the de-
briS of the wrecked boat, occasionally throw
ing his fiukes into the air.
As the ship neared the monster, he left the
wrecked boat and made for the steamer
with the evident intention of striking her
the port ppGasr bow sbs BY quick eese sqe1
ri him 'nS By ruaaer few sn' feet but 'Sft with
no chance for a shot. The whale then
turned and again made for the steamer, COM
ing down from the windward for about mid
ships of the vessel. Captain West saw that
the whale evidently intended to breach onto
the vessel, and word was given to go ahead
at full speed. AS the whale reared its huge
head and body into the air, the little
steamer sprung ahead and the whale fell into
the water with terrific noise, and just
cleared the steamers stern by lew feet.
When the whale struck the water made
it made such heavy swell that the men
were unable to stand on the deck. Seeing
that it was impossible to get a shot at the
monster without great risk to the steamer
and crew, another plan was resorted to- A
large, strong water cask, holding about 250
fAA nf &c mt M
then bunged tightly. The steamer was once
more headed for the fighter, and as she ap-
preached him he again came to the attack.
The cask was thrown overheard to attract
his attention and the vessel retreated 10
safe distance The whale instantly went for for
the cask, throwing it high in the air with
his flukes, but such was its strength and
buoyancy no damage was done to 1t. After
several futile attempts to smash the caSk
with his fiukes, he commenced to swim
slowly around it, occasionally striking II
IDENTIFY forgetful Of the Ship, which was
watching his every movement close.
"This was Captain Vests chance, and 81
lently, but swiftly, the little steamer glided
up behind him at short distance from MS
tail, and before he was aware of its approach
he received the contents of both of the whale
guns, the bomb lances exploding in his lungs.
The steamer sheered off to place OF safety,
the whale forged ahead about 100 yards and
commenced to breach and lash the sea into
foam in its frenzy and dying struggles,
throwing high in all. large quantities OF
blood, showing that he had received his
death wound. After about five minutes,
struggling he commenced to slowly mill
around and, finally, giving one. last breach
into the air, came down on his side dea5.
The steamer then went alongside and fasten-
ed to him with harpoons and strong ropes
and chains secured him to the vessel, by
which means he was towed into the harbor,
where crowds collected to see the monster
and congratulate Captain West on his skill
and daring in capturing the whale, this being